Hardman Farm Family Exposition & Country Fair

Hardman Farm is a little-known 127-acre state historic site located in suburban Sautee Nacoochee (population 3,828).

The last owner of this property was the family of Dr. Lamartine Hardman, governor of Georgia from 1927–1931. After being preserved, the land was donated to the state of Georgia in 1999.

On Saturday, October 8, 2016, take a drive to the mountains for the fall foliage, country scenery and the Hardman Farm Family Exposition & Country Fair.

Travel back in time to an old country fair with vendors dressed in period costumes creating hand-made Appalachian products like baskets, brooms, pottery and more. Learn to make candles, butter, and wash with a wash board. The Big House will be open for self-guided tours of the first floor.

Try your luck in the potato sack race or the best pumpkin toss. See mules harvest corn in the field. Enjoy lunch and treats and listen to mountain music with your neighbors.

According to the State of Georgia, Hardman Farm was built in 1870 by Captain James Nichols. The house is a grand example of Italianate architecture and was originally known as “West End” because it was at the west end of the Nacoochee valley.

Guided house tours include the 19th-century parlor, original lighting, and interesting telephone and climate control system.

Visitors will also see the bedroom belonging to Anna Ruby Nichols, the namesake of nearby Anna Ruby falls. The large barn was the focal point of Nacoochee Dairy that operated from 1910 until the mid-1920s. During tours, guests will learn how milk was processed and transported in the past, plus they will see a spring house and former horse barn.

Robert Sutherland

Robert J. Sutherland is a travel writer enjoying life in Gainesville, GA.
Robert has two adult daughters, seven practically perfect grandchildren and a zippy Kawasaki. Contact Robert at RJSutherland@hotmail.com.